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Anatomy & Physiology: The Blood

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What is hematology?

    Hematology is the study of blood.

  • What are the two main components of blood?

    Blood consists of formed elements (living blood cells and fragments) and plasma (nonliving fluid matrix).

  • What is the function of erythrocytes?

    Erythrocytes (red blood cells) transport oxygen and carbon dioxide bound to hemoglobin.

  • What is the typical lifespan of an erythrocyte?

    About 100 to 120 days, after which they are recycled in the liver and spleen.

  • Define anemia.

    Anemia is a decrease in the oxygen-carrying ability of blood due to bleeding, fewer RBCs, or less hemoglobin per cell.

  • What causes sickle cell anemia?

    Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition where RBCs sickle under low oxygen, rupture easily, or block small vessels.

  • What is polycythemia?

    Polycythemia is an excessive number of RBCs, possibly from bone marrow cancer or living at high altitude.

  • What are leukocytes and their main function?

    Leukocytes (white blood cells) protect the body by moving to damaged tissues and fighting infections.

  • What is leukocytosis?

    Leukocytosis is an abnormal increase in WBCs, often due to infection or leukemia.

  • What is leukopenia?

    Leukopenia is an abnormal decrease in the number of white blood cells.

  • Differentiate granulocytes and agranulocytes.

    Granulocytes have visible granules (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils); agranulocytes do not (monocytes, lymphocytes).

  • What role do platelets play in blood?

    Platelets are cell fragments that participate in blood clotting.

  • What is a hemocytoblast?

    A hemocytoblast is a blood stem cell in red bone marrow that produces all formed elements.

  • Which hormone stimulates RBC production?

    Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production.

  • What are the three steps of hemostasis?

    Hemostasis involves vascular spasms, platelet plug formation, and blood clotting (coagulation).

  • What is a thrombus?

    A thrombus is a clot attached to an unbroken blood vessel wall.

  • What is an embolus?

    An embolus is a detached clot traveling in the bloodstream.

  • What causes thrombocytopenia and its effect?

    Thrombocytopenia is a platelet deficiency that can cause spontaneous bleeding and petechiae.

  • What is hemophilia?

    Hemophilia is a genetic disorder caused by a lack of clotting factors, leading to bleeding problems.

  • What determines ABO blood groups?

    ABO blood groups are determined by specific antigens on RBC membranes and corresponding antibodies in plasma.

  • What happens during agglutination?

    Agglutination is clumping of RBCs when antibodies bind to their specific antigens, causing hemolysis.

  • What is the most common ABO blood type?

    Type O is the most common ABO blood type; AB is the least common.

  • What is the Rh blood group system?

    The Rh system classifies blood as Rh+ (most Americans) or Rh−; Rh− individuals form antibodies if exposed to Rh+ blood.

  • What is erythroblastosis fetalis?

    Erythroblastosis fetalis is hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus.

  • What is physiologic jaundice in newborns?

    Physiologic jaundice is caused by immaturity of the infant’s liver, leading to yellowing of the skin.

  • How does fetal hemoglobin differ from adult hemoglobin?

    Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin (HbA).

  • What changes occur in blood composition with aging?

    Older adults have increased risk of anemia and clotting disorders.

  • What is the normal pH range of blood?

    Blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, slightly alkaline.

  • What percentage of blood is plasma?

    Plasma makes up about 55% of whole blood and is 90% water.